WISLEN, DICKSON, MCDONALD

WISLEN, DICKSON, MCDONALD

My grandmother - Margaret WISLEN MCDONALD (b.1894 d.1969) was the daughter of George and Elizabeth DICKSON WISLEN. Margaret had two sisters Lottie (Charlotte?) and Mae. Margaret worked at the Chippewa Hotel for years.

George McDonald

I have a George McDonald in Manistee but I don't know if there is any connection to your McDonalds. My Grandmothers sister, Blondine BLADZIK, married George (Mickey) McDONALD in Manistee at St Josephs Church (date unknown). They later moved to Cadillac, MI. George was born on Jan 14, 1914 and died on May 23, 1996. I do not know any more about George at this time. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

Dickson family

I have done quite a bit of research in Manistee County Courthouse records in the past few years, searching the descendants of John Dickson (Dixon). He came from England, was married four times, the last time to his young step daughter, and he fathered 13 children.His first wife had four children, and supposedly died on the ship coming from England. The family spent some time in Canada, and perhaps Illinois, but was settled in Manistee County by 1850, the father and four children. Soon after he married a widow, Mary Taylor (born 1835), sometimes called the Indian wife. They had four children: Eliza Ann, born 13 Jun 1854 (married George Wislin); Charlotte, born 9 Dec 1855 (married Martin Nelson); Francis born 10 Mar 1857; and John Charles born Jan 1859. The two boys went west as young men and their descendants live there.I have found no record of Mary's death. However, in 1863 he married another widow, Eliza Wislin (born 1830 in NY). Eliza had two children, Alice Wislin, born 1855 and George Wislin. George later married his step-sister, Eliza Ann Dickson, 3 Jun 1872. John and Eliza Wislin Dickson had two children, Lewis John born 12 Jul 1864 and Ida Mae (also called Mary) born 3 Jul 1869. Eliza died 16 Aug 1871.Then in 1873, John Dickson married his stepdaughter Alice Wislin. He was 53, she was 18. They had four children: Elizabeth (Bessie), Theopholis, Edwin Charles, and Laura. Alice divorced John in 1885 or 1886Now this is probably more than you ever wanted to know!! And it's one of the most confusing families I've seen. I'm descended from John Dixon /Dickson's first child, born in 1837. His children's birthdates ranged from 1837 to 1880.Most of the information is from the courthouse, and some from family bible records, census records, pictures, and cemetery records. Some dates, from census records, can be a little bit off.Questions? Send email.Donna Willett

Dickson

I posted this response a few weeks ago, but would like to add an addendum.I neglected to mention one of the most important sources of genealogical information for Manistee County families, which is the Manistee Historical Museum on River Street. They have a wonderful card index by surname, which includes detailed census data, as well as cemetery records, and information from county newspapers including obituaries, births, marriages, divorces, etc.Another ongoing project is an index of articles from the Manistee News Advocate, at present indexed up to 1923. The Advocate is available in several libraries on microfilm, so this index is a most valuable tool.

Re: Dickson family

Donna Willett: I tried to reply using donbar@aol.com but it was returned. I am very interested in John Dickson, as he is our fourth (?) great grandfather. He had a daughter Ellen, born Canada 1838 but she is not listed in your message. She is our third great grandmother. Can we exchange information about this mixed up family? I have a photo of John, and also photos of Benjamin, Ellen and other descendants. Ellen married Henry A. Danville. E-mail me at frogsleap1@juno.comThanks...Bette Alden

Re: George McDonald

I am helping out a friend. Her mother died years ago and she hasn't anything on her heritage except a article on her grandparents fiftieth wedding anniversary and that her g-g-grandfather was John Dickson. She doesn't know her grandmothers name, but Grandpa was Charles McDonald. She could remember two uncles names George and Larry. I found info on John Dickson and his unusual line that takes me to Grandpa McDonald. Then I ran across your post. I would like to hear from you and maybe get you both connected. Her name is Lori and lives in Howard City. It sounds like she would be your cousin. Please email me at : kabeara@mail.riverview.net I really would like to help her out. She has three children and would like to connect with her past. Thanks

Re: George McDonald

Sorry, I feel so stupid. Lori is one of your sisters! I'm trying to give her a hand with this. I wrote down some info on a small piece of paper and I messed up. But she is interested in the family history. So if you can forward any info to her or now you have my email I see her every couple of days. Thanks

Re: WISLEN, DICKSON, MCDONALD

Linda, my in-laws are related through a brother of your grand-father -- I will forward this to them, and I imagine they will be in touch. They are planning a trip to Michigan this summer. If you like, I can give you phone numbers. Email me at amos@brigham.net .